Can dogs watch television?

A:

Quick Answer

Although older televisions probably look like a succession of still images, dogs can watch modern high-resolution television. Watching television is safe for dogs and can help fix behavioral issues by exposing the dogs to sights and sounds that normally upset them.

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Older televisions had slower frame rates. They typically refreshed about 60 times per second, which makes the images appear continuous to the human eye. However, dogs' eyes are better at detecting motion and need a frame rate of at least 75 hertz. Since modern high-definition TV sets often have a frame rate of at least 100 hertz, dogs are able to perceive the images on screen as intended. Factors such as positioning of the set and the program playing may affect a dog's interest.